More species of salamanders live in Georgia than any other group of amphibians or reptiles. Nevertheless, perhaps because these creatures are shy and silent, most people know little about them. Members of the mole salamander family are specially secretive, primarily living underground and only rising to the surface to breed.

SOCIAL CIRCLE - The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division reminds deer hunters who purchased a big game license for the 2007-08 season that they need a new deer harvest record prior to the 2008-09 deer-hunting season. Hunters under 16, landowners and honorary and lifetime license holders must also obtain a deer harvest record and complete deer harvest information. Hunters may obtain new deer harvest records free of charge from any license agent.

SOCIAL CIRCLE - Deer hunting remains the most popular form of hunting in Georgia, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division. Archery hunting season opened Saturday and runs through Oct. 10, (statewide).

SOCIAL CIRCLE - Deer hunting remains the most popular form of hunting in Georgia, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division. Archery hunting season opened Saturday and runs through Oct. 10, (statewide).

Cougar, mountain lion, puma, panther and even painter are all common names used when referring to puma concolor coryi. This large cat ranges from the Canadian Northwest across the western half of the U.S. and southward through most of South America. The cougar's wide distribution may explain why it has more common names than any other animal, with 40 names in English alone.

Those who love the outdoors welcome cooler weather after a hot, humid summer. Hiking is more pleasant, and autumn's colors inspire nature photographers and artists. Birdwatchers search for unusual species during the fall migration. Hunters relish the chance to harvest game.

The Georgia Wildlife Resources Division has confirmed a second Indo-Pacific gecko population in the state. The non-native lizard was spotted at a home in Savannah and identified via photograph by senior wildlife biologist John Jensen of the division's Nongame Conservation Section.

SOCIAL CIRCLE - The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) will hold a public hearing to receive input on a proposed amendment to the Georgia Boat Safety Act. The purpose of the proposed amendment is to provide the legal authority for certified peace officers to enforce exclusive use areas upon state waters permitted and properly marked under the marine event requirements and to meet public objectives for use of these renewable natural resources. Those interested are encouraged to bring this hearing to the attention of others who also may wish to participate.

SOCIAL CIRCLE - Fort Stewart's 3rd Infantry Division trains daily to combat terrorism and other threats around the world. But one threat looms as close as the boundaries of the largest Army base east of the Mississippi River: population growth and the development it brings.

Summer evenings are filled with the sounds of cicadas, large insects with wide-set eyes and transparent, veined wings. In error, some people refer to the non-jumping cicada as a locust, which is a grasshopper relative. Male cicadas attract females by making an extremely loud, rattling buzz with their abdomens. Females respond by clicking their wings.

The first Hugh H. Armstrong Kayak for a Kure event to benefit American Diabetes Association will take place on Saturday, Sept. 13, with a kayak paddle and classes for beginners and followed by a celebration including food and beverages, entertainment and health and vendor booths. The cost is $75 per person.

ATLANTA - In light of the recent announcement from DNR Commissioner Noel Holcomb regarding possible state park and historic site closings, Friends of Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites is developing an action plan to help mobilize local chapters and members in support of the state park system and to advocate against further cuts to the system's operating budget. The group plans to work with the commissioner, the division and its members to mitigate the impact of the proposed.

Native to the Southeast but stocked elsewhere, mosquitofish are also known by their genus name, Gambusia. These live-bearing fish resemble guppies, with males and females only reaching 1-1/2 and 2-1/2 inches long, respectively. To protect themselves from larger fish, mosquitofish hide in vegetation along pond edges.